Avoid the winter workout rut

Do you use excuses to not pull, push and grind it out when the weather sucks?Are you struggling to find your mojo to lift when it’s cold? Training in the winter is not always easy, but it can be done. Here are six ways to stay motivated throughout the colder months:

#1 Get going with your favourite song

Starting your day with your favourite motivational song will definitely get you going. A tune that lifts your mood and energy, instead of the sound of an annoying alarm clock, will do wonders for your ability to get out of bed when it’s cold outside and stops the excuses from creeping in. So, whether it’s Rocky’s ‘Eye of the Tiger’ or Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’ that gets you going, use it to your advantage to take on the day!

#2 Get a training buddy

There is no better motivation for getting out of a bed on your first try than having a training buddy waiting for you at the gym. You ideally need someone who is as committed as you are and who will hold you accountable for showing up to crank some serious iron. Having a workout partner makes it more difficult to roll over and go back to sleep.

#3 New workout gear

When you’re in a total winter slump it’s always a good idea to try something new and add some excitement to your routine. If you’re struggling to maintain your momentum when the temperature drops, a change in clothing can make a huge difference. Going to a store and buying some new workout gear can give you a confidence boost, so you can get out there and face the world like a man!

“Once you get moving, it will actually help boost your body’s ‘feel good’ endorphins to help you blast through training plateaus and attain new personal records in the gym.”

#4 Set a reasonable goal

If you’ve been slacking off when it comes to goal-setting, it’s definitely time for a change. Whether you want to pack on extra mass, lose weight or increase your numbers in the barbell squat, set a reasonable goal and make it as specific as possible. Remember, once you get moving, it will actually help boost your body’s ‘feel good’ endorphins to help you blast through training plateaus and attain new personal records in the gym.

#5 Eat clean

People easily fall into a winter hibernation mode where they eat everything in sight. The colder temperatures seem to add an excess of warm, comforting dishes that appear in front of you! Binging will only make all your training sessions harder. Don’t let the icy weather dictate your eating habits. Stick to a proper meal plan that will give you energy and stamina when you need it most. This time of the year is ideal for building a physique you can be truly proud of when summer rolls around. Invest in healthy food choices that will help you train harder and achieve your goal.

#6 Try something new

If you dread doing a specific workout, there is no way you are going to keep up with your routine. Choose something that you actually enjoy doing. If you do what you like, you’ll have no problem in convincing yourself to do it. If your motivation levels remain depressed, it might be the perfect time to try something new and exciting in your training, so don’t be scared to switch things up. By giving yourself a new challenge, you’ll power through the cold months and emerge on the other side of winter a better version of your current self.